GMC has introduced an all-new 2018 Terrain that is not just better than its predecessor — it is properly sized and more superior in nearly every category.
With knockout styling, competent powertrains, a more premium interior, and a full suite of advanced safety features, few rivals can compete with this new crossover SUV.
There are four Terrain trims from which to choose. All come standard with front-wheel drive, and all but the base trim offer all-wheel drive. A turbocharged four-cylinder engine is standard; a more powerful turbo-four and a turbodiesel engine are available.
The model I test drove, which starts at $37,520, is the top-of-the-line Terrain Denali — one of the most upscale vehicles in the class. It is the only trim that comes standard with the 252 horsepower turbo-four engine.
Terrain Denali also comes with rear parking sensors, rear cross traffic alert, HD Radio, a Bose audio system, and an upgraded infotainment system with navigation. You can add the Driver Alert II package. The Advanced Safety package adds automatic park assist and a surround-view camera. The Comfort package adds heated rear seats, ventilated front seats, and wireless device charging.
You have three turbocharged choices for the Terrain engine. The base engine is a 170-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder, a turbodiesel powertrain, and the available 252 horsepower turbo-four that I had in my Denali Terrain, which accelerated eagerly and performed very well at high speeds.
When it comes to ride and handling, the Terrain definitely holds its own on winding roads and is maneuverable in tight quarters. This GMC also provides a cushioned ride, even over rough pavement.
Inside, its upscale cabin offers roomy seats for five. Cabin materials are top-notch, and the design is both functional and attractive.
The Terrain has about 30 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, which is enough for a couple of dogs or the family’s vacation luggage. Fold the rear seats down, and you’ll have over 63 cubic feet of space. However, when the Terrain’s passenger seat folds flat, it gives you up to 81 cubic feet of space — enough room for long items, such as a kayak.
Standard tech features in the Terrain include an easy-to-use infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and multiple USB ports are standard. The IntelliLink system is user-friendly, and the well-organized interface makes it easy to find the controls you need.
A rearview camera and Teen Driver (which lets you set speed and volume limits for other drivers) come standard in the Terrain. Other features include a safety alert seat, a surround-view camera, automatic park assist, rear cross-traffic alert, rear parking sensors, low-speed forward automatic braking, blind spot monitoring, lane change alert, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, and forward collision alert.
The Terrain gets good fuel economy ratings for the class. With the base engine, it earns 26 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway.
With a plethora of new, smart, and fun-to-drive attributes, the all-new Terrain is easily one to watch in an automotive landscape now dominated by the type of vehicles that GMC knows best – trucks and SUVs.
Grant Miller is the publisher of Miami’s Community Newspapers. He may be contacted by calling 305-662-2277 or via email at Grant@CommunityNewspapers.com.
